When the light is just right, the winegrowing Franschhoek Valley, about an hour from Cape Town, attains a near-mystical quality. Considered one of the most beautiful areas in the Western Cape, Sir Richard Branson’s latest South African acquisition, Mont Rochelle, is surrounded by verdant countryside and breathtaking valley views.

Visitors to South Africa are often baffled to hear that it’s the world’s third most biodiverse country – after Brazil and Indonesia. They’re equally surprised to learn that 10% of the world’s plants are found here. Touch down in Cape Town, and you’re also in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom, the world’s smallest and most diverse plant province, Capensis.

Each year, some 2,000-or-so southern right whales migrate from their Antarctic feeding grounds, and head for warmer waters along the southern Cape’s Atlantic coastline to breed and nurse their young. The deep-water bays of the Overberg, an hours drive from Cape Town provide sanctuary for the whales, protected along these shores since 1946. For the best chance of a sighting, whale watching in Hermanus is the obvious choice.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re the next Michael Phelps or can only muster a poor excuse for a doggy paddle, these world class pools – complete with spectacular views, high-spec features and insanely beautiful surrounds – will make you want to throw on your swimsuit and dive right in. Take a peak at some of the greatest swimming pools in the world, for the ultimate aquatic bucket list.

Options for safari accommodation in South Africa are virtually limitless, ranging from ultra-sumptuous luxury right the way through to overnight on-foot wilderness expeditions where you sleep on the ground. Here we select a few unforgettable luxury game lodges where you’ll be pampered and enjoy superlative levels of guiding.

There’s no better way of observing the influences and cultural trends of a country than through its fashion and style purveyors. Two of South Africa's most notable style bloggers reveal some of the trendiest haunts in Cape Town and Johannesburg for those eager to shop like a local.